Lighting a flame
“The flame that you lit two years ago is still alive and growing brighter,” said Patrice Nagant, director of evangelism and church planting for Rendez-Vous Montreal. There’s a group of “strong and faithful leaders now,” he said, “working in an area that’s really hard.” The Canadian Conference has been a catalyst for church planting through the Key Cities Initiative, beginning with Calgary in 1998, and adding Toronto (2000) and Montreal (2002). The Canadian and relevant provincial Conferences work in partnership to pursue specific urban church planting goals.
In the Board of Evangelism breakout, delegates heard reports from church planters across the country. Strong affirmation was given these workers. Those present encircled them and prayed for them. 
Presentation of cheque from Rendez-Vous Montreal to Ignite Vancouver: (l–r) BOE chair Paul Loewen, Geoff Neufeld and Patrice Nagant |
While the “flame” continues in Montreal, one is also being lit in Vancouver. Gathering 2004 accepted the recommendation to add Vancouver as key city #4, under the name Ignite Vancouver. To symbolize that progression across the country, Patrice Nagant presented a cheque – “seed money” – to Geoff Neufeld of the B.C. Board of Church Extension.
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